New York Yankees left-hander Ryan Yarbrough remains on a rehab assignment as he works his way back from injury, the team confirmed on Wednesday. The veteran pitcher is gradually rebuilding his strength and command on the mound in the minor leagues, with an eye toward rejoining the Yankees’ rotation in the coming weeks. This continued rehab stint underscores the team’s cautious approach to Yarbrough’s recovery amid their push for a postseason run.
Yankees Keep Ryan Yarbrough on Rehab Assignment as Recovery Progresses
The New York Yankees have decided to extend Ryan Yarbrough’s rehab assignment as he continues to make steady strides in his recovery. Having shown notable improvements on the mound, Yarbrough is carefully being reintegrated into competitive play to ensure full readiness before a potential return to the Big League roster. The Yankees’ medical and coaching staff remain cautiously optimistic, emphasizing a gradual approach to avoid setbacks with this mid-season rehabilitation process.
Performance Highlights During Rehab:
- Three innings pitched over two rehab appearances
- Opponents batting average held below .200
- Improved velocity and command observed in bullpen sessions
| Metric | Pre-Injury | Current Rehab |
|---|---|---|
| Fastball Velocity (mph) | 92.5 | 90.8 |
| Strike Percentage | 62% | 59% |
| Control (BB/9) | 2.8 | 3.2 |
Analyzing Yarbrough’s Performance and Key Areas for Improvement
Ryan Yarbrough’s recent outings highlight a pitcher still finding his rhythm post-injury. While his control and pitch selection remain notable strengths, inconsistencies in command have led to spikes in opponent batting averages, particularly during high-pressure at-bats. His ability to induce weak contact with a diverse pitch mix has been effective, yet there is evident room to tighten his strike zone management to reduce unnecessary walks and avoid putting extra runners on base.
Key areas for potential improvement include:
- Improving fastball velocity to better complement off-speed pitches
- Enhancing pitch sequencing to disrupt timing for opposing hitters
- Reducing first-pitch strike lag, increasing aggression early in counts
